DOHA, Qatar • 2 February 2026 – Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026) officially opened today at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, continuing through 5 February.
Regarded as the world’s leading LNG gathering, LNG2026 provides a global platform for dialogue on energy security, sustainability, and the future of natural gas. The event reinforces Qatar’s position as a global LNG leader and underscores its commitment to ensuring reliable energy supplies within a realistic and effective energy transition framework.
Delivering the opening address, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, emphasized QatarEnergy’s growing global role. He stated that with the continued guidance and support of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar is strengthening its international standing in the energy sector.
A key highlight of the address was QatarEnergy’s massive expansion program. Al-Kaabi confirmed that ongoing mega-projects will more than double LNG production capacity from 77 million tons per annum (MTPA) to 160 MTPA, including 142 MTPA from Qatar’s North Field. These projects are expected to account for approximately 40% of new global LNG supply over the coming decade, significantly contributing to global energy security.
The Minister also detailed QatarEnergy’s record-breaking shipbuilding initiative — the largest in LNG industry history — involving 128 state-of-the-art LNG carriers. To date, 38 vessels have been delivered, with a new ship arriving every three weeks. The fleet is projected to reach nearly 200 vessels within the next few years, making it the largest LNG carrier fleet worldwide.
Beyond LNG, QatarEnergy is accelerating growth in petrochemicals, with polymer production capacity set to increase by about 235% domestically and internationally. Production of condensates and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will rise by approximately 60%, while helium output is expected to increase by 115%.
In support of global food security, QatarEnergy is establishing a world-class urea fertilizer complex that will expand production capacity by more than 110%, positioning Qatar as the world’s largest exporter of urea. Within the next few years, QatarEnergy aims to become the world’s largest exporter of LNG, chemical fertilizers, and helium.
Al-Kaabi concluded by expressing gratitude to HH the Amir for honoring the event with his presence and for his leadership, as well as appreciation to QatarEnergy teams, partners, and contractors.
Organized by QatarEnergy in cooperation with the International Gas Union, the Gas Technology Institute, and the International Institute of Refrigeration, LNG2026 brings together leading figures from across the global LNG industry. The four-day program features high-level panel discussions and interactive debates addressing LNG’s competitive advantages and its role in meeting growing global energy demand.
The conference is expected to attract around 4,000 participants and 16,000 visitors. The accompanying 35,000-square-meter exhibition hosts more than 300 companies. QatarEnergy is participating with an 800-square-meter pavilion showcasing its history and leadership as one of the world’s largest LNG producers.